CNC routers can cut softer materials like wood, plastic, foam and non-ferrous metals like aluminum. They are less rigid than CNC mills, so they cannot transfer enough force to cut through harder materials. On the other hand, CNC mills can cut through harder materials due to the rigidity of the machine head and tooling.

The effective cutting depth is usually 1/2″. Quarter inch diameter bits are good for cutting thicker materials, like wood, and removing more material per pass. The effective cutting depth is usually 1″.

A computer numerical control (CNC) router is a computer-controlled cutting machine which typically mounts a hand-held router as a spindle which is used for cutting various materials, such as wood, composites, metals, plastics, glass, and foams.

How Much Is A CNC Router Machine? Entry-level CNC routers for hobbyists can cost as little as $1,000 to $3,000. A desktop CNC router can range from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on its capabilities. High-end routers can cost anywhere up to $150,000.